Govt Pledges To Replace Capsized Mbuya Nehanda Ferry

The government has pledged to replace the Rural Infrastructural Development Agency (RIDA) Mbuya Nehanda passenger ferry that capsized on Lake Kariba on Tuesday, 11 August 2026, and urgently rehabilitate the impassable road linking Kariba, Siakobvu and Chalala.

The pledge was made by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe while speaking at a memorial service for the victims at Nyamhunga Stadium on Thursday.

Garwe said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had directed authorities to find a replacement passenger ferry for the ill-fated RIDA vessel and to urgently fix the Binga road that links communities around the iconic water body.

“The ferry which capsized served as a vital mode of transport for businessmen and individuals, travelling from Kariba to areas such as Chalala and all those who were benefiting from its service,” said Garwe.

“The President has said don’t be heartbroken or get worried over how you will travel now that the reliable boat has sunk.

“As a caring leader, and in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind in terms of assistance and development, he has pledged to find a replacement vessel so that businesses and livelihoods continue.

“He also said he will send Transport Minister (Felix Mhona) to urgently fix the impassable road. We received the complaints over the same road earlier. So, these will be attended to so that movement is improved.”

The pledges to replace the capsized Mbuya Nehanda ferry and rehabilitate the Kariba-Siavonga road are likely to bring little comfort for the affected communities, given the long-standing transport challenges on the lake and the poor state of the road linking the communities.

The disaster has exposed the vulnerability of communities that depend on Lake Kariba for passenger transport, while the impassable road has further limited alternative access between Kariba, Siakobvu and Chalala.

The rehabilitation of the Karoi-Binga road has been on the cards for years. The project is jointly funded through government and private sector partnerships.

The first phase of the project was undertaken but later abandoned, with initial stretches from Magunje covering Chivakanenyama to Zvipani completed.

However, the secondary phases targeting additional multi-kilometre blocks to link isolated communities like Chalala, Mola and Siakobvu have remained a pipe dream after contractors, who had camped on various sites, removed their equipment over undisclosed issues.

More: NewZimbabwe.com